CBS's "Criminal Minds" returns on September 25 with a ninth season. So far, we don't know too much about what the next batch of episodes will bring, but a few insider details have made their way online. Spoilers for season eight below!
Five members of the cast, Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangsness, and A. J. Cook, have all reportedly signed new two year contracts, with Matthew Gray Gubler and Jeanne Tripplehorn already on board.
For fans who were wondering if Mark Hamill would be back as the Replicator, it seems like even the creators aren't sure if he's dead or not.
"My guess is he's gone," "Criminal Minds" showrunner and executive producer Erica Messer stated to TV Guide.
However, she continued, "But I specifically didn't want to do that in case in Season 9 we say, 'Well, you know...' I wanted to leave that up in the air until we decide in the writers' room next month.
"Even all the actors said, 'We don't see his body,'" Messer added. "By keeping that open-ended, it will keep a beat in the season premiere where we can show photos from the scene or say he's dead. It'll be a nice starting point for us."
Tantalizingly, TV Line also reports that the season will open with a two-part episode titled "The Inspiration." In it, the protagonists are tasked with finding a serial killer who is obsessed with his ex. The episode is said to contain abductions, torture, murder, a crazy mom, and either snakes or praying mantises. Sounds intriguing.
It is also rumored that "Criminal Minds" will be adding a new character, with casting ongoing for a "tough as nails" female cop who is leading the manhunt in "The Inspiration."
In terms of an overall direction for season nine, Erica Messer stated, "I'm always a fan of telling us more about the heroes. I'll definitely be looking for those stories. I think we're going to have a really fun year and I look at these next two years at possibly doing bigger arcs. It's hard to repeat The Replicator. He was so massive and at the end of the day it was Luke Skywalker! I don't think we'll be going that route again."
"Criminal Minds" season 9 premieres on September 25 on CBS.
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